Brownback to sign Kansas school funding bill on Monday

Gov. Sam Brownback has scheduled an afternoon signing ceremony to approve a $129 million school funding measure aimed at satisfying a March 7 Kansas Supreme Court ruling.

The Republican governor will be joined Monday by legislative leaders in his ceremonial office. The measure was approved by lawmakers on April 6 and will go back to a three-judge district court panel for review.

The bill restores state aid payments that equalize spending for school districts by giving poor districts additional funds for operations and capital improvements. The measure also includes provisions ending the current teacher tenure process, as well as targeting additional spending for higher education.

Brownback's supporters have praised the measure for providing more money for education and property tax relief to school districts.